200 kilos of 'botcha' seized in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - At least 200 kilos of tainted pork or “botcha” was seized during an operation in Tondo, Manila Monday night.

In a phone interview with The STAR, Dr. Hector Dimaculangan of the Veterinary Inspection Board said tricycle drivers Roberto Cornelio and Freddie Melgar were intercepted at a checkpoint before they could deliver it to Wagas street for pickup. The two men said they did not know the meat was tainted.

Dimaculangan said the owners of the meat and the ones who ordered the delivery are facing charges for violating City Ordinance 4739, which prohibits the sale of tainted meat.